Good questions, Rachel. I have wondered the same things. There was a long time active
osprey nest atop a snag on the south side of Interstate 90, just east of the Cle Elum
River bridge. It was known to some as the "Bullfrog pond" nest. The last birds I saw on
it were Canada Geese. I remember wondering if it was possible for the geese to hatch
a brood and still allow the Osprey to take next turn on the nest. Since I believe it
likely that the precocial goose nestlings do indeed jump for it not long after hatching,
it seems plausible that the Osprey might have time to get in and nest after the geese
have left.

Anybody have any actual facts on this?

Remember, the plural of anecdote is data. Whose quote is that anyway?

Kelly McAllister
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
Olympia, Washington
Reply to: mcallkrm at dfw.wa.gov